Christmas

As I write this update, Theo is wiggling on my feet. He’s getting cosy after another dose of horizontal rain and boggy mud in the woods. It’s a bit grim out there and the Met Office are predicting more storms with winds upto 90mph tonight. Time to get the fire going and snuggle up! Well, it’s been an interesting year and we’re blessed to enjoy a closer relationship with Theo than ever. So much has changed since we got that skinny rescue dog who pooped in the back bedroom on his first visit. We’ve continued to attend several training and socialisation classes through the year, mainly to keep Theo entertained and interested. He loves them. It helps us a lot as well, with new tricks and ideas as well as friendships with people who know and love dogs. Big thanks to Penel and Laura at Dog Communication for spurring us onto to keep teaching our boy new tricks. (Although I still haven’t managed to get him to shake on command – something for 2014!).

I’ve been a little under the weather these last few days and enjoying a few lie-ins during the run upto the Christmas holidays. Imagine my surprise when I realised that somehow Theo had sneaked onto the bed and stolen the covers. (He really isn’t allowed on the bed when we’re there – he’s far too big!). It’s a world away from a dog who didn’t like to even stay in the same room as us. This is what I woke next to. What you can’t see are all the wiggles and forceful shoves he makes to get really comfy. He actually woke me up with a paw in the nose, just to remind me to stroke his tummy.

He’s got quite cheeky this year, and a lot more vocal – yawning audibly if he doesn’t agree with our plans. He’s also become much more tactile, leaning on legs and pinning our feet with pointy elbows. Theo is a dog who loves to sleep with his head on a slipper. Earlier in the year he developed a bad new habit of barking at dogs walking outside the house – which we’ve almost got past (by stoically ignoring him). On the other hand, he’s become a real fan of our postman after he made a big fuss of Theo (clever postie) as well as a few of our local cats. Yes, really. I’m not saying he wouldn’t chase them if they ran, but one or two brave cats have the measure of him and sidle up as bold as brass and join us for our night-time walk. I have a distinct feeling that we are unwittingly reinforcing one ginger tom’s reputation as “top cat” with the other local cats – as the ginger cat and dog who patrol the streets must be a daunting sight in the feline community.

Wishing you, your families and furry friends a warm and happy Christmas, and many successes for the coming year.

What a wonderful Christmas it’s been. Thanks to everyone who sent Theo gifts, they’ve been gratefully received (particularly the wrapping paper – see the photo!) The dog log records another good week, and Theo is much happier on his walks. As the saying goes: it’s about training the dog you have. He is becoming better […]

It’s husky season. Sometimes the smallest things make a difference in a dog’s life. Sometimes, it’s a change of treats (we reverted to a less protein-rich variety), and the temperatures plummeted to -6C mid-week. It has been a pleasure to play and walk with Theo this week. He has been full of beans and playful. […]